Shelburne Museum, Shelburne

Nestled in the picturesque town of Shelburne, Vermont, the Shelburne Museum is a gem for art, history, and Americana enthusiasts. This sprawling museum is unique, not just for its collection, but for its presentation, as it spans across 45 acres with 39 distinct structures, 25 of which are historic and were relocated to the Museum grounds.

Founded in 1947 by Electra Havemeyer Webb, a pioneering collector of American folk art, the museum's collection includes over 150,000 items. It showcases the breadth of American artistic expression, from Impressionist paintings and folk art to 17th-century furniture and intricate quilts. The museum’s diverse array of artifacts also includes a collection of horse-drawn carriages, a steamboat, and a lighthouse.

One of the highlights of the Shelburne Museum is the fully restored 220-foot steamboat Ticonderoga, which is a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can step aboard the side-wheel passenger steamer, which is the last of its kind in existence. Another notable exhibit is the Round Barn, one of only two dozen built in Vermont, which houses a collection of horse-drawn vehicles.

The Electra Havemeyer Webb Memorial Building is dedicated to showcasing Mrs. Webb’s own collection, which includes works by Monet, Manet, and Degas. Meanwhile, the Circus Building features a 3,500-piece miniature circus parade.

The museum is not only a haven for indoor exhibits but also boasts beautiful gardens that are an attraction in themselves, with lilacs, peonies, and thousands of annuals and perennials that bloom throughout the season. The grounds provide a serene environment for a leisurely stroll, where one can appreciate the outdoor sculptures and the picturesque New England landscape.